Happy Easter!

via

The Wise Men

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Hurricane Sandy

We will like to take a moment to extend our thoughts and support to everyone that was impacted by Hurricane Sandy in the North East.  We are from New York and have many family and friends there.  We understand the difficulties and frustrations associated with cleaning up, rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives.  

Many are still without power and many have lost everything.  Our hearts and prayers are with them.  Like many people, if you are wondering how to help those who have been unfortunate in this disaster, you can donate to the American Red Cross or check out Charity Navigator for other charities that are accepting donations to assist victims of Hurricane Sandy.

We will continue to keep everyone that was impacted by this storm in our prayers and hope for the safety of all.  A big thank you for all those that help each other there during this time.

A Moment of Reflection

Lord, you have probed me, you know me:
you know when I sit and stand;

you understand my thoughts from afar.

My travels and my rest you mark;
with all my ways you are familiar.

Psalm 139: 1-3

Easter Weekend Re-Cap

This recipe has been shared in many places around the Internet.

This year I decided it was time for my little one to learn about the Crucifixion and Resurrection

of our Lord, although he knows who Jesus is, he was too young to really comprehend it all.

To help him understand, we made some Resurrection cookies.

This is a wonderful way to share with your children the 

scripture story about the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We began by placing the pecans in a plastic freezer bag. 

My little man used a rolling pin to break the pecans into small pieces. 

I explained that after Jesus was arrested,  the Roman soldiers beat Jesus.
The story continues on with the recipe,
to follow the rest of it, go here.

In the morning the oven was opened and my son found these yummy Resurrection cookies.

They were round and the fluffiness hardened, so when you bit into it, 

it formed somewhat of an empty cave.

“He is not here, He is Risen”.

Matthew 28:6

The mass was beautiful.
After church, we held an Easter egg  hunt and the kids enjoyed it.

Not a cloud in the sky, but notice that he is wearing his rain boots.
Those are his favorite!

After the egg hunt and a quiet beautiful afternoon,
we headed out to visit friends for an Easter dinner.
I left my camera and don't have photos to share, but everything was beautiful and yummy!
My favorite was the carrot cake bunny!
Thank you Laura!

Happy Easter!

He is Risen!

True to Yourself

I was reading a book the other night and came across a line by
Margaret Langstaff that read; "Each of us is absolutely unique and irreplaceable
in the eyes of God".

It made me think, we are beloved, unique children of God- one of a kind.
God gave us special gifts and talents that we were born to share with the world.
But often that vision of who we are is obscured by the wear and tear of everyday life.

If you have been feeling a bit insignificant or unworthy, learn to see yourself as
God sees you.  He does not see you the way you see yourself.  Take your hopes
and dreams seriously once again, I know that I have and it makes such a difference.

Be true to your deepest self, and trust that God has a purpose for us all.
Each day is a new beginning.  Holding on to old ways of thinking,
grudges and resentments, and worn-out ideas is self-defeating.
Now is the time to choose a fresh start and new attitude.

Start with an attitude of forgiveness for anyone who has trespassed against you.
And forgive yourself, asking God to help you make a fresh start today.
Be open to new ideas and new possibilities.
Remember that you've never been here before (today),
because each day offers a new adventure.

A Moment of Reflection

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind 

and straining toward what is ahead, 

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which

God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD,

your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;

according to your love remember me, for you are good,

O LORD."

-Psalm 25:4-7

Serenity Prayer Pendant

I have pulled out all of my remaining supplies from my craft closet
and I have been working on a few items for the Inspirations by D shop.
Here is just one sample of what's coming next week.

I will have more pendants with the same Serenity Prayer,
 but in other sizes, shapes and chains.
This is an elegant reminder of our daily struggle 
to remain in the Grace of the Lord. 

Subscribe to this blog and find out 
when they are posted in the shop.


Have a Happy Weekend!

Small Pleasures

Today I spent some time working in the garden,

 weeding, removing dead flowers and prepping the ground for winter.  

We still have some flowers 

and believe it or not 

a couple of butterflies still lingering around.

I stopped what I was doing and sat down for a minute,

to take it all in

the fresh crisp air

the clear blue sky

the rich colors of the remaining flowers

and behold, 

a Black Swallowtail Butterfly.

I can tell that perhaps this was the last time 

I was going to see it before the temperature cools.

I ran inside to get my camera

and

while I was photographing the Swallowtail

it remained gentle and calm as she gathered her nectar.

I noticed the details on her beautiful dark wings

and it made me think

that God is in the details,

and daily life is made up of the details.

Small pleasures are gifts of God that grease the wheels of life

refreshing us and reminding us of life's abundance.

Small pleasures say

"Pay Attention"

Life is a sacrament and everything is a gift from God.

My cup of coffee,

my flowers,

time with my family,

and that butterfly--

are all reminders of the wonders of creation.

It came to me that the miraculous often hides in the commonplace.

As Jean Webster puts it:

It isn't the big pleasures that count the most;

it's making a great deal out of the little ones.

Teach a Child to Pray

A Moment of Reflection

It's between You and God

 People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.

   Forgive them anyway.

 If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

   Be kind anyway.

 If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.

   Succeed anyway.

 If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.

   Be honest and frank anyway.

 What you spend years building, someone may destroy overnight.

   Build anyway.

 If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous.

   Be happy anyway.

 The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow.

   Do good anyway.

 Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.

   Give the world the best you have anyway.

    Why?

 Because in the final analysis, all of this is between you and God….

   It was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa 

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Happy Mother's Day

Wishing all mothers, a blessed and wonderful Mother's day!

What "Mother" Means

"Mother" is such a simple word,

But to me there’s meaning seldom heard.

For everything I am today,

My mother’s love showed me the way.

I’ll love my mother all my days,

For enriching my life in so many ways.

She set me straight and then set me free,

And that’s what the word "mother" means to me.

Thanks for being a wonderful mother, Mom!

By Karl Fuchs

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A Moment of Reflection

My Soul finds rest in God alone;

my salvation comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, 

I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62: 1-2

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On the Twelfth Day...

 Epiphany  

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a wonderful and blessed weekend with your loved ones.

With much love

For unto us a child is born...

A Mall Surprise

Look at the surprise shoppers received in the Mall.

Depraved Indifference

Please help provide whatever you can by donation or service to "Food for the Poor".  Let us not forget our brothers and sisters who need our help, will you show your love.

Serenity Prayer Key Chain

I love this piece!  It is a combination of old and new.  The glass containing the prayer is new made by me and the chain itself is vintage, old meets new.  What a great way to remind us of the serenity prayer.  Would you like one,  shop here and get more information.

I Said a Prayer For you Today...

I said a prayer for you today

And know that God must have heard.

I felt the answer in my heart

Although he spoke no word!

I didn't ask for wealth or fame

(knew you wouldn't mind).

I asked him to send treasures

Of a far more lasting kind!

I asked that he be near you

At the start of each new day;

To grant you health and blessings

And friends to share your way!

I asked for happiness for you

In all things great and small.

But it was for his loving care

I prayed the most of all!